Pancreatitis Support Group

Chronic pancreatitis can present as episodes of acute inflammation in a previously injured pancreas, or as chronic damage with persistent pain or malabsorption. Patients with chronic pancreatitis can present with persistent abdominal pain or steatorrhea, as well as severe nausea. Some patients with chronic pancreatitis often look very sick, while others don't appear to be...

New to the group - ERCP question

Hello to all,
Just a little background..I was hospitalized for acute gallstone pancreatitis last month for 2 weeks. I was in the ICU the first week and had a therapeutic ERCP and laparoscopic cholecystectomy. I was monitored and recovered well the second week, although my GI doc said that I had some necrotic tisue in my pancreas (not sure of the % necrotic). My understanding is that your pancreas can regenerate and/or heal after several months. I have not had any pain of abominal issues since dischage, although I've remained on a low fat diet. I had a CT scan last Friday and the office staff left me a message stating that there is still some inflammation from the pancreatitis and I will need tohave a repeat ERCP with the possible addition of stents. I feel well so this blows me away. Has anyone had to have this done repeatedly? I'm really concerned with the risk and/ or another acute attack as a result (although my first ERCP did not result in an attack). Any input is appreciated!

I had an EUS done last Wednesday at Mass General to drain a grapefruit sized cyst and to place 3 stents to continue the drainage. My Dr said they took a liter plus of fluid from the cyst. I am still waiting for the pathology report. I have having a follow-up CT two weeks from the procedure date and am already scheduled for a repeat EUS to remove the stents at two months time. Pancreatitis seems to affect each of us somewhat differently and our Doctors seem to have different protocols as what to do with us. I was very uncomfortable for about three days after the procedure. Not sure if some of that was due to how long I was under General Anethesia (3+hours). I am feeling better every day, without the cyst I am not as uncomfortable and I haven't heard my stomach making as much noise as before. I am not eating a lot, and trying to stay as low-fat as possible. Hope this helps The more we share, the more we learn.

Hi Elaine
I'm glad to hear that you're doing better after your EUS and that you continue to improve each day. You are so right about the different treatments we undergo. I had an ERCP yesterday to drain a pseudocyst, so far it was uneventful except for the sore throat.

I have had multiple ERCP's and stints placed. They do work well for me, but only temporarily. My doctor has told me that the next time, we will do stints which are meant to stay in awhile, rather than the ones that come out in a short period of time.

So yes, I have had repeats and have not had any problems with the procedures - except one time it did cause an acute attack. You may want to ask your doctor if the stints are the ones meant to come out soon after the surgery or if he is placing those that stay in awhile.

Hello vturley! I'm supposed to have the stent removed in 6 weeks after the ERCP - which should be the first week of October. The ERCP was uneventful and have fetl fine since. My hope is that I don't form another pseudocyst. after this one is drained.
Take care, Rob

Just to update you all on my journey. As I said in my last post, I had an EUS to drain a cyst and place three stents. When I looked up my report online with my hospital - it said I had an ERCP. ????? Needless to say, my grapefruit sized cyst was drained and according to the CT I had less than a week ago, the cyst has returned, but only 1/3 the size (maybe golf ball size?). My doc wants me to repeat a CT in about 5 to 6 weeks. I am already scheduled for an EUS or ERCP to remove the stents in 6 weeks. I have lost a little more weight and a few more inches (Yeah!) and still have the pains up through my shoulders as well as a little nausea. I guess I'm still getting better. It would be nice to feel 100% - somehow I don't think that will ever happen. Keep you posted! Elaine

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